One of the biggest surprises – and announcements – from Mayor Tom Henry’s State of the City address had little to do with city government at all.An Auburn man slipped out of a pair of handcuffs, stole a police cruiser and led officers on a chase Friday before he was arrested, police said.
Auburn police initially went to a home in the 700 block of 20th Street about 2:30 p.m. to investigate a report of a methamphetamine lab.
They arrested two men, including Matthew Heath, who slipped out of handcuffs while seated in a police cruiser, officers said.
Heath then climbed into the cruiser’s front seat and drove off. He led police on a pursuit until he reached DeKalb County roads 17 and 56. He got out of the cruiser and ran before being caught by officers.
Heath, 30, who lived at the 20th Street residence, is charged with manufacturing meth, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, false informing, driving with a suspended license, maintaining a common nuisance and two counts of resisting law enforcement.
He was being held at the DeKalb County Jail.
The second man arrested, Jason Walden, 22, is charged with manufacturing meth and visiting a common nuisance. He was also being held at the DeKalb County Jail.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the chase to call them at 920-3200, ext. 1919, to help with the case.
